The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most popular treks along with the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in the Annapurna Region. It is also known as the highest mountain pass trekking which is a strenuous trek that takes hikers up to 10–18 days to complete. Being a strenuous trek on the Himalayas, trekkers need to be cautious and need to learn about a few things beforehand to have a safe, fun, and successful journey.
The basic best tips for hiking this Annapurna circuit include packing light and taking plenty of water, mapping out your route in advance, and being prepared for extreme weather conditions. The trail can be challenging, but it can also be an unforgettable adventure with careful planning and preparation. Here we have prepared top 10 useful tips for you to enjoy and complete the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
1. Before embarking on a journey, have a medical examination
Trekking the Annapurna Circuit can be a strenuous and demanding experience due to its terrain as well as the high altitude gains. Because of these, it is important to get a medical check-up before planning your trek. This will help ensure that you are physically able to make the trek and will help you identify any potential health risks.
2. Pick the best time of year to hike the Annapurna Circuit
The best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit is between October and November. This is because the weather is typically stable during this time, and there is less chance of rain or snow. Also, start early in the morning to avoid the heat of the day.
3. Pack smartly
When packing for a trekking trip, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, you will need to pack plenty of layers to keep warm, as the temperature can drop significantly at night. Second, you need a good pair of hiking boots, a backpack, a sleeping bag, a tent, and a water filter. Lastly, keep first aid, sun protection gear, a compass, and an Annapurna circuit trek route map; this will help you understand the Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary.
4. Travel slowly and with caution
The trek is relatively easy and can be completed in about two hours. However, there are some things to consider before embarking on this journey. It is important to be aware of the dangers involved in trekking. The Annapurna Circuit is considered a moderate trekking route, but some risks are still involved. These include avalanches, rock falls, and exposure to altitude sickness. Also, it is important to be prepared for the physical challenges of the trek. The Annapurna Circuit is a challenging trek, and it is important to be physically fit before undertaking it. Therefore, being careful and trekking with caution is to be taken care of.
5. Prepare mentally and physically for the journey
Before you begin your trek, it is important to mentally and physically prepare yourself. The Annapurna Circuit trek is demanding, and it is important to be physically fit. Annapurna circuit trek distance is 160-230 km. This means being able to walk for longer periods and being able to carry a heavy backpack. If you are not used to walking for long periods, starting training before your trek is important. If possible, high altitude hikes would be perfect which will help your body get used to the thinner air and make the hike easier. If not then, you can indulge into some physical exercises such as day hiking, cycling, swimming, etc.
It is also important to be mentally prepared for the trek. This means being aware of the challenges that you will face. There are some difficult sections, and you will be pushed to your limits. However, if you are mentally prepared for the challenges, you can overcome them.
6. Stay Hydrated
When trekking to the higher elevation, human body loses water more quickly than it does at seas level. As a result, when you do the Annapurna Circuit Trek, your body seeks to absorb more oxygen and maintain hydration. Make sure to consure more than 4 litres of water each day to avoid dehydration and altitude sickness as staying hydrated prevents from any unexpected hiking symptoms. Hence, carry a resueable water bottle and water filtration tablets as drinking water from the resources found in the region is generally not safe. Or you can refill the boiled water at the teahouses which could be little bit expensive than carrying your own water filtration tables.
7. Expectations should be limited about the Accommodation options
This trek takes you through a variety of landscapes, from rice terraces and forests to high-altitude mountain passes. The accommodation on the trek varies depending on the region you are in.Once you depart the city areas, your accommodations will be basic and basic as you move higher to the altitude. The rooms will be basically on sharing basis with a two single beds and one mattress, a pillow, and a blanket on each bed. In addition, the toilets and bathrooms would also be on sharing basis but you can find some tea houses with private bathrooms, especially in the lower region. Hence, you should be ready in mind that you will be spending the nights in the rooms with the most basis amenities.
8. Be mindful of nature and the environment
When trekking the Annapurna Circuit, it is important to respect nature and the environment. This is one of the most beautiful and fragile places on Earth, and our responsibility is to take care of it. Pack out what you pack in. Don’t leave anything behind that could potentially harm the environment. Avoid trekking off the beaten path, as this can damage fragile vegetation. Respect wildlife. Do not approach or feed animals, as this can disturb their natural behaviour. By following these simple guidelines, we can help preserve the beauty of the Annapurna Circuit for generations to come.
9. Carry some altitude medications
As Annapurna Circuit involves high altitude trekking, the chances of Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS) is high regardless of how expereince you are or how physically fit you are. The precautions like hydrating, acclimatizing, getting enough sleep, etc. could really help you to keep you away from the sickness. But as it is a unpredictable illness, it is a good idea to always carry some altitude medication such as Diamox. You could get the prescribed one from your own doctor after your medical examination. It could really come in hand if in case AMS decides to come to you.
10. Last but not least, understand your limitations
The Circuit is a challenging trek; it is important to know your limits and be prepared before you start. Planning your trek according to your limits is extremely beneficial, as exceeding them may result in problems. Therefore, make sure you are fit and healthy enough for the trek. If you have any health concerns, please consult your doctor before you book your trip. And, if you are finding any difficulty in planning your trip according to your comfort, choose a reputable trekking company.
There are many trekking companies in Nepal, and it is important to choose one that is reputable and has experience leading treks in the Himalayas. Make sure to do your research and read reviews before you book your trip.
You can come to Himalayan trekkers as we are one of the most experienced trek organizers in the field for more than two decades. We offer a variety of trekking experiences to suit everyone, from short walks to multi-day hikes. They also offer a range of services to make your trekking experience as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible, including transport, equipment, and guides. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or just getting started, they will help you in every possible way and will help you to enjoy trekking within your comfort.
